Quiltmaker Napa

News

2012-01-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

To fellow quilters and loyal customers

After 15 awesome years, Nancy and I have decided to sell Quiltmaker. We are ready to retire from Retail Life and create different personal and professional adventures.

We are eager to meet the person/s who will continue this most wonderful endeavor. SO, please join us in spreading the word! Quiltmaker is for sale $120,000

Diane and Nancy

Challenges & Inspirations

2012-01-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Or should it be inspirations and challenges? I think I typically start a project working from an inspiration, but sometimes we're challenged and have to come up with our own inspiration. One of the vets from the Pathway Home Project requested a camouflage quilt, and Nancy rose to the challenge in her own way. Starting with a few brown prints, she managed to combine an assortment of large to small scale prints, batiks to modern designs, with accents of color including yellow, green, pink and blue. The variety of prints combined with the simple piecing and random arrangement mimic camo in a modern way. Block Party Club members thought this quilt could be the basis for a class on color theory - I know I'd love to take it!

Gail was inspired by the Wonky Stars block in Modern Blocks: 99 Quilt Blocks from Your Favorite Designers, so Block Party Club members were challenged to make blocks for her. It was a welcome challenge though - I keep seeing wonky stars all over the internet, so I knew I'd try the technique sooner or later. I'd say we were all successful (laid out on the design wall below). It was a fun, freeing technique!

--Carol

Here comes the elephant!

2011-12-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

Ellie the elephant paid the shop a visit the other day and I fell in love all over again. Sewn by Renee Hein (notice her peeking eyes), Ellie is an adorable fused & machine applique pattern by BJ Designs that's appropriate for a wall hanging or small throw. Renee's lively interpretation is really fun - I spy Kaffe Fassett, Jane Sassaman, batiks, and she even used bright green Minkee in the curvy border. Fear not the plush fabric!

We often get asked about whether we recommend backing quilts in Minkee or other plush fabrics the shop carries. The answer is a resounding YES! Plush fabrics do not shrink and they quilt beautifully - check out the back below. There is excellent sewing information here. Plush fabrics may cost a little more, but most are 60" wide which is perfect for a throw-size quilt, and totally worth it for a soft, snuggly quilt.

--Carol

This quilt was displayed at a booth with Lecien Fabrics

2011-11-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

This quilt was done in Lecien fabrics and we carry many of them at the shop. Nancy and I loved the borders of this one!

The leaves are golden, russet, red; Fall is here!

2011-11-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

The colors of this quilt remind me of the changing colors in the neighborhood. I think the simplicity of this quilt is one of the things I especially like.

Hop Kit Mania

2011-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend is our annual Shop Hop for which we always go a little crazy making kits, hanging samples and sprucing up the store. I promised pictures of the kits, but first I want to share a beautifully executed quilt by Martha Emery, a Judy Niemeyer foundation paper pieced pattern. Martha will be teaching paper piecing next year, so keep an eye out for the class newsletter.

The Easiest Ever Jelly Roll Throw pattern works terrifically for Bali Pops and Tonga Treats, both of which we carry in several colorways... thanks to Shirley Hansen for bringing in her version. Definitely an easy and fast throw to make, and gorgeous in batiks!

And now for the kits:

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so we thought Running Scared would be a quick project to whip out (look out turkey!) - whimsical and colorful, this wall hanging is definitely attention getting:

Nancy did a little whipping out herself and came up with and sewed Good Morning Placemats and Napkins in a day. She used a Provencal inspired border print and kept the quilting to a minimum:

Vintage Sonnet is a Napa Valley style table topper that takes almost no time at all to piece together. I think this would make a really great gift (hint, hint):

Need another quick gift? Dazzling Tiles Tablerunner fits the bill. A Kaffe Fassett floral and Bella solids coordinate perfectly in another easy to sew project. Don't let the 2" squares deter you - we include gridded fusible in the kit which makes matching seams a breeze.

We also have purse, apron, applique and full sized quilt kits, lots of new fabric, notions and books. Stop by during the Hop and pick up your free block kit. We'll be open extended hours 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, 9-5 Sunday.

--Carol

Another Asian Braid Beauty

2011-10-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Shirley's Asian Braid

It's so nice to see a quilt that was started in class, finished! Shirley Hansen never fails to disappoint (she's already finished the Stars Block of the Month in Christmas fabrics). Here she is with her quilt top from the Asian Braid class - I love her fabric choices. Bring yours in and show and tell!
--Carol

Now That's Class!

2011-09-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

In class last month, the popularity of French Braid continued in an adaptation Nancy called Asian Braid, named for the fabric she used. It could have easily been called Western Braid for her previous creation, but whatever the name, the class was a hit. The pattern showcases wide strips of focus fabric accented by complementary French Braids. Perfect for that fabric you can't bear to cut up! (click pictures for close-ups)

studious sewers; on the back wall: left, Asian Braid, right, Western Braid

Nancy displays a work in progress

Diana Monez is glad she took the class!

--Carol

Home Sweetwater Home

2011-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Even before I saw the latest Sweetwater line of fabric in person, I knew I had to have some. Well, ok, I confess I was peering over Nancy's shoulder when the fabric rep was here, trying not to drool. Modern colors, small scale print, words, and ticking stripes make up this fresh new line. Nancy ordered enough fabric and fat quarters to make kits for the Sweetwater pattern Yacht Club, but there is plenty left on the bolts and we've made up fat quarter stars. Sweetwater's Simple Home has projects for every room in the house.

I don't own a boat, but I just love Yacht Club - we have kits and patterns (the flags are fused, raw edge appliqued - easy!)

Greys, soft blue, strong red and creamy yellow...

Intersection is a simple, but strikingly different pattern. Nancy is making it with different fabrics - instead of a cream background she's using a tone-on-tone golden print and coordinating greens and oranges.

--Carol

Art Quilt Contest Winners

2011-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all who came to our 15th Anniversary Party and Sale, but the biggest grins were worn by the quilters who won in the Art Quilt Contest. Over the month of June, submissions were hung in the classroom and voted on by shop visitors. Left to right, Wild Flowers by Ina Block won in Nature Category; Star in Moony Night by Nelda Heide won in the Color Category; Nancy Eberlin; Diane Massey-Todd; San Trini by Robin van Boeschoten won the People's Choice. Not pictured: Migliavacca Moods by Susan Lane Coburn, which won for Architecture. Thank you to all who entered and voted. --Carol

A Zebra for Nancy

2010-12-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

I thought of my shop partner, Nancy, when I saw this art quilt at the International Quilt Market/Festival in Houston.

Nancy especially loves the wild graphic animals.

Houston International Quilt Festival 2010

2010-12-26T13:58:00.000-08:00

This striking quilt was beautifully exhibited at the Houston International Quilt Market and Festival. For viewing only, please.

Houston 2010 Market and Festival

2010-12-22T02:01:00.000-08:00

My trip to Houston's International Market/Festival was wonderful this year.

I was nonstop with many vendors to see and exhibits to experience. I took some photos of quilts that were exhibited and will post a few in the month ahead. Please, these are for inspiration only.

Delightful students finish their Basic Quiltmaking Class

2010-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Students in Basic Quiltmaking learn so much and we are all excited when their first quilt is finished.

These two students couldn't wait to sew up a second project: A mitered baby blanket (on the right)!

Quiltmaker's Designer Basket for the Quest

2010-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Liz from all of us at Quiltmaker!

Liz Magee came by to pick up her basket from our Quilters Quest shop hop.

She made it to all 11 stores and her completed Passport was one of the eleven drawn for Second Prize: A Basket filled with quilting delights! Diana Monez put together our dazzling basket and it was so laden I thought we might have to use a cart to get it out of the store!

Delightful "I SPY" quilts

2010-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

'I SPY' quilts give hours of discovery to children: "I spy a monkey, a flower.....elephant, an owl". Charlene Thomason joined with several friends (also grandmothers) and created these delightful quilts for her grandchildren. Each square selected, cut and sewn with hand quilting to add the perfect touch!

Stonehenge Fabric in earth tones

2010-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

This new pattern is perfect in earth tones of the Stonehenge line from Northcott.

Melanie's Turkey is ready for Thanksgiving!

2010-11-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Melanie has created a wall hanging for every month and I think my fav might just be this handsome bird!

Even Tom Turkey is wearing Giant's colors!

Summer Camp @ Quiltmaker

2010-11-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Creating a tote involves fabric, fun and furiously fast sewing.

Congratulations to two wonderful students!

Sister Lulu

2010-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Lulu joins Magoo to supervise the shop activities!

Bright Happy Houses!

2010-07-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Kitty was inspired by a Kaffe Fassett book and made this delightful house quilt.

Summer Garden

2010-07-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Summer, this new panel is bright with flowers, hummingbirds and bees. This would be a great inspiration fabric for a challenge.

2010-06-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Stepping Stones quilt top in progress!

Denim Delight

2010-06-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Clariss was busy for months sewing delightful orange cottons and denim. This quilt was executed with such verve and style. We may have an opportunity to see it at a fair this summer!

Going To Market

2010-06-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

This striking new design has endless possibilities! It's going fast but we hope to see more inspired from this design.

Embroidery with Andrea

2010-06-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

Embroidery Classes are the third Saturday of each month. Great Fun!

New Line from Jane

2010-06-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

We received a beautiful group of Jane Sassman's designs-awesome!

Quilts of Comfort

2010-06-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last year Quiltmaker began working with the Rotary to provide quilts for the vets in the local Pathway Home Program, a program for vets with post traumatic stress disorder.
Margaret (on right) and several friends made this top for one of the vets who requested red, white and gold. While in the Program each vet is presented with their quilt and will take it home when discharged.

DOTS!

2010-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Can you ever have too many dots? I don't think so!

The Pajama Party Sale this coming Saturday the 12th is a perfect time to freshen your Dot Stash!

Try doodling this design!

2010-06-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for machine quilting designs that I might master. I like this one and have been practicing by doodling . . . . .

Memories of Wine Country

2010-05-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Carolyn from Reno, Nevada was in the shop to select fabric for this wonderful design and just sent this picture. She paper-pieced the star centers. Didn't the green and cream Stonehenge fabric work well?

Fabric Painting

2010-05-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Nelda decided to join in the fun with the Art Quilt Group and is happily painting fabric.

Art Quilt Group

2010-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Art Quilt Group met this month and experimented with fabric paint. Clearly, everyone was having fun!

Wedding Ring

2010-05-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nancy has been collecting half-squares for a long time and designed the perfect use for them. This beautiful quilt is a wedding gift for her nephew and I think, will be treasured for many years to come!

Show and Tell

2010-05-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to see Briar's finished quilt. She designed, pieced and hand quilted this special quilt; a gift for her daughter and husband.

Basic Quiltmaking

2010-05-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Cheryl is machine quilting her beautiful 'first quilt' in Basics!

NO MORE WHINING

2010-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

We have been looking for a long time for new 'wine fabric' especially because we've had so many people whine about it!
When we saw this group we were pleased!

LOVE those Grapes!

2010-05-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

This beautiful collection includes bolts of corks, labels, bottles and grape clusters.

Maggie Timms finishes!

2010-05-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Many of you may remember this Beginning Applique project taught by Karen Dittman. Maggie happily completed her project and is now taking our applique BOM 'Baskets of Life' with Melanie Watson.

Jungle Animals

2010-05-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Alexander Henry sends us some delightful jungle animals!

Stonehenge from Northcott

2010-05-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

We have received ~ 30 bolts of this Northcott line in warm earth tones as well as blues, greens and purples.

New Wool

2010-05-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

The pastels are delicious!

New Wool

2010-05-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

This hand-dyed wool from Tracy Trevethan has arrived in many rich beautiful colors.

Beautiful Applique

2010-04-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

I was delighted when Anne Uemura brought her finished quilt in! I love the textures and if you look carefully you might find a moon......thank you Anne!

Jungle Fun!

2010-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

This new line is so colorful and fun!

Martha's Wolf

2010-04-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Martha used Rob Appell's pattern to make this beautiful tribute to the endangered Red Wolf. If you are interested, this link to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has fascinating details:
http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/

Gotta love this apron!

2010-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Fast and fun, you can make this up in a favorite print. The scallops are a cinch when you line your apron!

Rooster with attitude!

2010-04-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

This fun group includes a border print and clear, beautiful color.

A French Braid beauty

2010-04-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Come in to see this beautiful quilt! We have been hanging BETTY ANN's quilts for 12 years now!

Thank you again, BETTY ANN for sharing with us.

Raindrops!

2010-04-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

This Springtime group arrived just in time for the last big rain of the season......we hope!

Baby blanket for that special arrival

2010-04-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

All Wrapped Up is a wonderful pattern from Artichoke Collection. I made it up in blues with minkee on the back-I chose white minkee. It was fun, fast and, I think adorable.

Coming Soon--KITS!

Just Arrived.....

2010-04-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers for summer, with a patriotic rooster, of course!

RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBIT

2010-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Fun, fast project to announce "Welcome to my Pad!"

Fabulous Flannel

2010-04-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

This group of flannel includes whimsical owls and a great assortment of scale and value prints.

Our Youngest Shopper

2010-03-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Our rick-rack was irresistible and our young shopper filled her cart!

2010-03-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

I've had too much on my plate at the shop! New classes, newsletter, samples---boo hoo, it's a tough job but someone has to do it!
To answer your question, the size is approx. 24" x 34". This is my project from class, obviously still in process. I enjoyed my self!

2010-03-02T21:28:00.000-08:00

I took a fabulous class with Melinda Bula on Saturday in Santa Rosa. She is a wonderful teacher and class was inspiring.

Patterns are hot off the press!

2009-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Missy Dizik has just produced patterns for this delightful quilt 'Friends of Friends'. (The real scoop is that we convinced her to!)

Nancy and I are excited to offer this quilt kit as 'Friends Block of the Month' and will begin mailing kits in February 2010. Congratulations Missy!

Crochet Trim Technique for a Receiving Blanket

2009-11-30T23:22:00.000-08:00

So! I'm looking for a fast, fun way to 'dress up' this flannel for a receiving blanket and I found this demo at 'sew chic blogspot'. I love this fabulous trim and can't wait to try it. Click on the link and see a simple technique to make a flannel blanket special!
http://sewchic.blogspot.com/2007/07/crocheted-edge-blanket-tutorial.html

Have fun with this Popshow from Heather Bailey

2009-11-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this 'show' some time ago but just learned how to post it to share. Just click on the link below to see the 'popshow' and BEST of ALL, we have many of these fabrics at the shop! http://heatherbaileydesign.com/PopShow/

French Braid Design

2009-11-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Our French Braid class this fall was incredible. Instructions for French Braid are straight forward and simple but the results dynamic. Mary Caurant was one of 11 students and chose a slightly more complex design with pieced vertical separators. She was determined to complete her quilt and I never doubted that she would! Kathy Allen machine quilted it for Mary and you can see she had it on her bed in no time!

Carol's Batik Jacket

2009-11-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

I know you have all heard "It's a tough job but someone has to do it". That's exactly what I deal with daily at Quiltmaker.....Show and Tell on a daily basis!
It is so inspiring. Also, just plain fun to see our customers expressing themselves creatively. Carol Peterson came in Monday for Art Club wearing this jacket and I had to snap a shot!

Cameleon Handbag

2009-11-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Through the years, Quiltmaker has seen several local entrepreneurs but Diana Russel and Terry Smith are amazing! They made handbags for personal use and everyone wanted one. Now they are making handbags as fast as they can cut and sew! Their bags are unique, colorful and fun. This bag is called "Bow Tucks" and can be made in fabrics custom selected for you! Call 707 694-4884 for more info.

QUILTER'S QUEST WINNER

2009-11-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

We were so delighted to notify Quest participant Carolyn Bischof from Santa Rosa that her completed Passport was one of the 11 drawn for Second Place.....she won the Quiltmaker's basket! She came by to pick it up and we were all happy to see her. Congratulations Carolyn!

Ah! Nothing like finished!

2009-11-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

These beautiful blocks were appliqued by Kathleen Gray, framed in blue by Sharon Lampton and machine quilted by Helen Sexton! Renee and Sharon agreed to a quick picture. Sharon plans to complete the project by making pillows.

Bet-A -Block

2009-11-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is Darcy with her completed quilt top. She won the Bet-A-Block drawing and working with her Step Mom, Lucy, made more blocks and look at the result! I love the colors and especially the center block and awesome (butterfly) border fabric.
Darcy made this quilt for a special friend and I love to think of all the women who contributed to it.

Sonoma Vineyard

2009-11-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

Autumn Inspiration

2009-11-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

I helped a friend harvest late grapes a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I was able to get a few shots.

Have you seen this delightful SPRINGTIME project?

2009-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

I love this sample for Melanie's class SPRINGTIME! I posted a detail on Oct 28 that shows the ladybug and bumblebee. My favorite is the dragonfly, beautifully done with Melanie's techniques. Sign up! Class starts Nov 17 and you can finish in time for Spring 2010.

New from Alexander Henry

2009-11-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

I like so much about this new group: bright beautiful teal, sapphire and lime in multiple scale prints and even a stripe....

Yippee! Batik!!

2009-11-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Don't these batiks look great together?

Brighten Up the Shop!

2009-11-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

We had to decide which quilts to hang to entertain and inspire our Hop Guests....these are a few we chose.

The Shop Hop

2009-11-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Claudia greets each Hopper with information and chocolate!

2009-11-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

We are all busy getting ready for The Hop this weekend....it's so much fun, like getting ready for a big party. We have just finished kits for Panache by Moda. This is the sample; I love the pattern!

2009-11-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

OK, I definitely need to work on my photo skills... But, have you seen "RUNNING SCARED" a new wall hanging by Nancy? We have 2 kits left. You can make this wacky wall hanging before Turkey Day!

A World of Fabric has opened up for us!

2009-10-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

I love this new wall hanging from Melanie Watson. She has done a stunning series, one for each Season. This one is Springtime! The strawberries and flowers are beautiful but I LOVE the dragonfly, bee and ladybug. Come in and sign up for her Springtime Class now! It starts in November so that you will be enjoying it this Spring.